In a surprising turn of events, a new movie has managed to dethrone “Godzilla Minus One” from its top spot on Netflix’s Top 10 list. The film, titled “Under Paris,” has captivated audiences with its unique storyline and has quickly risen to become the most-watched movie on the platform.
“Under Paris” presents an intriguing narrative centered around a young climate activist who embarks on a mission to save a massive shark in the Seine River. The film, which is French, blends elements of environmental activism with the suspense and thrill of a shark movie. The promotional art suggests a colossal shark, but the film’s tone remains ambiguous, oscillating between a “Free Willy” rescue mission and a “Jaws”-like horror, especially given its MA rating and descriptors indicating gore.
Despite its fresh concept, “Under Paris” has received mixed reviews. Critics have given it an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while user scores are significantly lower at 39%. In contrast, “Godzilla Minus One” continues to enjoy high praise, maintaining a dual 98% rating from both critics and audiences.
Netflix’s Top 10 list often features a mix of licensed films and original content, with varying expectations for performance. While some Netflix originals like “Extraction 2” have seen promised sequels, others like “Red Notice” and “Gray Man” are still awaiting follow-ups. “Under Paris,” being a Netflix original, could potentially spawn a new franchise if it performs well, much like other successful shark movies in the past.
The current Top 10 list on Netflix is a blend of old and new, with titles like “300: Rise of an Empire,” “The LEGO Movie,” “Home,” “Divergent,” “A Million Ways to Die in the West,” “Shrek,” and “The Mario Bros. Movie” making appearances. Some of these films are over a decade old, yet Netflix’s ability to surface content ensures they remain relevant.
Interestingly, “The Mario Bros. Movie” has been a consistent presence on the list since its addition in December 2023, showcasing the platform’s power to keep certain titles in the spotlight.
However, the reign of “Under Paris” at the top was short-lived. Glen Powell’s “Hit Man,” directed by Richard Linklater, has now taken the top spot. This new film has garnered exceptional reviews, with a 97% critic rating and a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s synopsis describes it as a sunlit neo-noir featuring Powell as a professor who moonlights as a fake hitman for the New Orleans Police Department. The plot thickens as he becomes romantically involved with a potential criminal, leading to a series of deceptions and escalating stakes.
“Hit Man” is expected to maintain its top position for a while, given its strong reviews and the reputation of its director. Richard Linklater, known for films like “School of Rock” and “Dazed and Confused,” has once again delivered a hit that resonates with both critics and audiences.
Netflix’s global Top 10 lists, published every Tuesday, rank titles based on views, calculated by dividing total hours viewed by the runtime. These lists provide insight into what people are watching worldwide, with separate categories for English and non-English films and TV shows. The platform also tracks the total number of weeks a title has spent on the list, offering a comprehensive view of its popularity.
The dynamic nature of Netflix’s Top 10 list reflects the ever-changing preferences of its audience. While “Godzilla Minus One” enjoyed a strong run, the emergence of “Under Paris” and “Hit Man” highlights the platform’s diverse content and the varying tastes of its viewers. As new titles continue to be added, the competition for the top spot remains fierce, ensuring a constant stream of fresh and engaging content for Netflix subscribers.
